CameraReview

Olympus PEN E-P5

Olympus · Mirrorless · 16.1 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Full HD video

Olympus PEN E-P5

Score Breakdown

Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.

Optics 55
Video 57
Features 57
Storage & Battery 21
53
SCORE /100
Independent Lab Scores
THIRD-PARTY LAB DATA · DXOMARK
72
Overall score
22.8
Color depth
12.4
Dynamic range
895
Low light ISO
Independent measurement — not part of our /100 score.
Buying Options

General

BrandOlympus
ModelPEN E-P5
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2013
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
May 10, 2013
Camera typeMirrorless
Camera size122 x 69 x 37 mm
Camera weight420 g

Optics

55/100
About the Optics

The Olympus PEN E-P5 scores a 53 out of 100, which reflects its general specifications. Its dimensions are 122 x 69 x 37mm, and it weighs 420g (0.93lbs).

In today’s market, the E-P5’s specifications are somewhat dated, but still respectable for casual photography enthusiasts. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, and the weight is manageable for extended use.

Olympus PEN E-P5 Overview and Optics

The Olympus PEN E-P5 receives a score of 55/100 for optics. With 16.1 megapixels and a shooting speed of 9 frames per second, the camera provides reasonable performance in this area. Its CMOS sensor and TruePic VI processor contribute to a DXOMARK score of 72 for the sensor. The camera features a Micro Four Thirds sensor size and a compatible Micro 4/3 lens mount.

In the current market, the E-P5’s specifications are modest. Cameras with larger sensors and higher megapixel counts have become more common. Despite this, the E-P5 has image stabilization and a 4:3 aspect ratio, which can still appeal to some users.

Considering the optics, the Olympus PEN E-P5 is a decent choice for photographers seeking a compact camera with a smaller sensor and image stabilization. However, it may not be the best option for those looking for cutting-edge performance and the highest image quality.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
16.1 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4608 x 3456
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
13 x 17.3
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four Thirds
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
9 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Micro 4/3
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
TruePic VI
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
4:3
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
20030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
256003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
6044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
350300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
None
Viewfinder dotsN/A

Video

57/100
About the Video

The Olympus PEN E-P5 receives a video score of 57 out of 100. This camera offers Full HD video resolution, with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080, and a frame rate of 30fps. Additionally, it comes with built-in time-lapse functionality, which enhances its video capabilities.

Comparing the E-P5 to other cameras on the market, its video features are not exceptional. Many modern cameras now boast 4K resolution and higher frame rates, allowing for smoother and more detailed footage. However, the E-P5 still provides decent quality videos for casual users and those not requiring professional-level video performance.

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is a solid choice for photographers who prioritize still image quality and are not heavily focused on video capabilities. While it may not excel in the video department, it remains a reliable camera for general use.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 1080
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
30 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Yes
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MOV, AVI

Features

57/100
About the Features

The Olympus PEN E-P5 receives a feature score of 57/100. It boasts a 3-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1,036,800 dots, allowing for easy navigation and clear image previews. However, it lacks a flip screen, which is a highly sought-after feature for many photographers. The absence of GPS is another drawback, but the camera compensates with built-in WIFI, simplifying image sharing and remote control capabilities.

Despite these features, the Olympus PEN E-P5 faces tough competition in today’s market. The lack of Bluetooth connectivity and a flip screen are notable limitations. Comparatively, modern cameras offer a wider range of features, making the E-P5 less appealing to potential buyers. The E-P5’s specifications may not be the most advanced, but they remain functional for those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use camera.

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen typeLCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Screen size3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
10368001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No

Storage & Battery

21/100
About the Storage & Battery

The Olympus PEN E-P5 receives a storage and battery score of 21/100. It has one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The battery life offers 330 shots, which is relatively low compared to other cameras in today’s market. The battery type is BLN-2, and the camera lacks USB charging capabilities.

When comparing storage and battery performance, the Olympus PEN E-P5 falls short in today’s competitive camera market. With limited memory card slots and a short battery life, users may find it inconvenient for extended photography sessions. The absence of USB charging further limits the camera’s practicality in various situations.

Memory cardSD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual memory card slotsNo
Battery typeBLN-2
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
330 shots1505000
USB chargingNo